Saudi visa ban hits India, Pakistan, 12 others ahead of Hajj 2025

Effective April 13, 2025, Saudi Arabia will temporarily suspend the issuance of short-term visas for citizens from 14 countries, a move aimed at regulating travel for Hajj 2025, which will take place from June 4 to 9, reported Gulf News.

The visa suspension will affect the following types of travel: business visit visas (both single and multiple-entry), e-tourist visas, and family visit visas.

The countries impacted by this decision are India, Pakistan, Egypt, Yemen, Tunisia, Morocco, Jordan, Nigeria, Algeria, Indonesia, Iraq, Sudan, Bangladesh, and Libya.

According to Travels Dubai, travelers who currently hold valid visas will still be able to enter Saudi Arabia before April 13, 2025, but must leave the country by April 29, 2025. Those who violate the new rules could face a five-year ban from entering Saudi Arabia.

This move follows logistical challenges faced during the 2024 Hajj season, which saw overcrowding and more than 1,200 deaths due to extreme heat and insufficient services.

A large number of pilgrims entered Saudi Arabia using non-Hajj-specific visas, such as tourist and business visas, bypassing the official registration and quota system, leading to the strain on infrastructure.

The suspension is part of a crackdown on visa misuse, which has historically contributed to overcrowding during the pilgrimage. Saudi authorities are determined to ensure that only registered pilgrims, with the proper documentation, can participate in Hajj.

Exceptions to the suspension include residents of Saudi Arabia, those holding valid Hajj visas, and diplomatic visa holders.

Additionally, Umrah visas will also be temporarily suspended from April 13 until mid-June 2025, and previously issued multiple-entry visas for tourism and business will be invalidated. These measures aim to prevent system overload and ensure the smooth operation of Hajj.

Saudi officials emphasized that the suspension is purely logistical and is designed to enhance the safety, organization, and efficiency of the Hajj season.

The government aims to avoid the issues of overcrowding and provide adequate services to the millions of pilgrims expected to arrive.

“This decision is purely logistical, intended to streamline arrivals and ensure the safety of all pilgrims,” said a representative from Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

Affected countries, including India and Pakistan, are expected to issue travel advisories and work closely with Saudi diplomatic missions to help their citizens comply with the new restrictions.

These steps reflect Saudi Arabia's ongoing commitment to improving the Hajj experience, ensuring it remains a safe and well-managed pilgrimage for all.